National News

EPA's new rule will make gas pricier, Earth-healthier

(NEWSER) – The Environmental Protection Agency is today putting in place a new rule to drastically cut sulfur from gasoline, a measure it says will ultimately save lives, the New York Times reports. Sulfur in gasoline renders vehicle pollution control systems less effective, boosting smog-causing emissions associated with heart and lung disease, among other health concerns. The plan would cut the sulfur content in gas roughly 67% as of 2017, to 10 parts per million from 30 parts per million. Oil refiners are fighting the measure, which would force them to install pricy new sulfur-cleaning equipment. Supporters see it as President Obama's "most significant public health achievement in his second term," per the Times.